I just joined X5world today and decided to add my "2 cents" to this thread, based on my experience. I have a 2007 ML63 that I had ordered in 3/07 and took delivery in 6/07 and now have approx. 12,000 miles on it. Also, I previously had two BMW X5 4.4i’s - 2001 & 2004 models equiped all available options and with the sport package as well as the full BMW exterior aero body trim kits. I leased both of those vehicles for 3 years each. I felt then and still do that those two SUV/SAV's were the best all-round vehicles available at their respective time, with very car-like handling, yet with the advantages of all-wheel drive, high seat visability, storage capacity, (well ok, just enough capactiy....) and great aestetics inside and out.
In the spring of 2007 I test drove the 2007 BMW X5 4.8 and was surprised and disappointed to find that its handling was not quite as good as the 2004 X5 model. As previous posters have noted the acceleration on the ’07 BMW 4.8 is about the same as on earlier 4.4’s due to the added size and weight on the new model. (If BMW had put the M5 & M6's 500hp V-10 into the new X5 model as another option, it would have been a tougher choice for me and probably some others as well…). BTW, I also previously had a 2004 E55 AMG that completely corrupted and spoiled me for wanting to always have the ability to have brutally fast acceleration when I am driving. Having thoroughly enjoyed the power and build quality of my '04 E55, I decided to go with the ML63 and so far do not regret that choice at all.
Did I consider the E63 AMG wagon? Yes, for a few seconds, but I am "old school" and it is still a station wagon, with all of the memories and connotations from my childhood, although probably the hottest wagon available. My neighbor has had three Range Rovers and has had nothing but problems with them, to the point where his RR Dealer gave him a new vehicle, (required under NJ’s Lemon Law), due to the number and extent of defects, failures and problems on his 2006 model. The only real negatives for the ML63 is its resale value will drop more and faster than the other two models and its gas mileage is poor, (I’m getting 18.5 mpg on the highway and around 12 mpg in city traffic).
Therefore, I add my vote and recommendation to test drive a ML63 and see what you think and if it’s close comparison, and you don't mind spending an extra $10,000 over a fully loaded X5 4.8, go with the Mercedes. So now, if I want good gas mileage and fun driving I borrow my wife’s new 2007 BMW 335i twin turbo coupe w/sport pkg. since it gets well over 24 mpg on average and is almost as fast as my AMG SUV!
BTW - Another observation about BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz, as a result of our two very recent acquisitions. BMW provides their "Assist" system free of charge for the first four (4) years of car ownership, whereas M-B TeleAid is free for just the 1st year then $240/year after that. Also my wife's BMW 335i comes with regular maintenance/service covered free-of-charge for the first 4-years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. M-B used to have this program as well, (my '04 E55 was covered under it). Unfortunately, M-B decided last year to discontinue this program due to its high cost to them, transferring that cost to us owners. Oh well...
AVB-AMG
